Electronic Communication Device with two Input Devices

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a mobile telephone handset having a first input device disposed on a main body portion of the handset. A second body portion is moveably mounted on the first body portion and can be moved between an open and closed position with respect to the main body portion, such that when in a open position the first input device is exposed for use by a user. In addition, an first input device is provided and is arranged to be moveable between an inactive and operational position with respect to the main body portion when the second body portion is in the open position.

The present invention relates to an electronic communication device,such as a mobile phone handset, having input means, such as a keypad,for inputting data or commands into the device. In particular, thepresent invention relates to a mobile phone handset having at least twomeans for inputting data or commands.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein with referenceto mobile phone handsets. However, the invention is not limited mobilephones and can be applied to any type of electronic communicationdevice, such as a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable two-wayradio set, or the like.

Electronic communication devices, such as mobile phone handsets, arewell known, and are designed with many different configurations.Handsets having two or more body portions arranged to be moveable withrespect to one another provide a relatively compact handset. When a userwishes to operate such a phone, the two portions of the handset can bemoved apart to expose a keypad. The handset can be in a foldingconfiguration (so-called “flip-phone”, for example the Nokia® 6125 or9500) or in a sliding configuration (so-called “slide-phone”, forexample the Nokia® 8800 or N72).

EP813328A2 describes a removable cover for use with a personalcommunicator of the type having a touch screen display.

EP1263192A2 describes a compact computer device which may comprise amobile telephone or game and which is provided with a display screen anda full function keypad for use as a personal information manager or thelike.

PDA devices are known and generally comprise a display screen, a keypadand stylus or pen, which can be used to input commands from the user,via the display screen, into the PDA. Typically, the stylus is stored ina cavity disposed in the housing of the PDA and is manually removed fromthe cavity when the user requires.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an electroniccommunication device having at least two means by which data or commandscan be input to the device. Furthermore, the present invention aims toprovide a relatively compact device having the at least two input means.

More specifically, the present invention provides an electronic device,comprising; a main body portion, a first input device arranged to bemoveable relative to the main body portion between an operative and aninoperative position, a second body portion moveable with respect to themain body portion between an open and closed position, and a secondinput device arranged to be exposed for use when the first input deviceis in an inoperative position and the second body portion is in an openposition. As a result, the input pad can be moved into an operationalposition when the second body portion is in the open position. Thisprovides a robust handset configuration.

Alternatively, the present invention provides a manually operableportable wireless electronic communication device, such as a mobilephone terminal or handset, comprising; a keypad disposed on a main bodyportion of the device, a second body portion moveable between an openand closed position with respect to the main body portion, such thatwhen in a open position the keypad is exposed for use by a user, and aninput pad arranged to be moveable between an inactive and operationalposition with respect to the main body portion when the second bodyportion is in the open position. As a result, the first input means canbe moved into an operational position when the second body portion is inthe open position. This provides a robust handset configuration.

Preferably, the first input device can be disposed on the main bodyportion. Alternatively, the first input device can be disposed on thesecond body portion. In addition, the second input device can be akeypad disposed on the main body portion. Furthermore, the first inputdevice can be a touch-sensitive input device. Thus, the functionality ofa handset is increased or improved.

Preferably, a stylus for inputting data or commands to the device viathe first input device can be provided. The stylus can be arranged to bedisposed in a body portion of the device, the stylus being moveable withrespect to the device between a stowed position and a release positionwhen the first input device is in the operative position, and wherein atleast a portion of the stylus extends from the device when the stylus isin the release position. Thus, the stylus is arranged for easy manualremoval from the device.

Preferably, a mechanism is provided for moving the stylus, the mechanismbeing coupled to the stylus and to the first input device, and beingarranged so that movement of the first input device from the inoperativeposition causes the stylus to move from the stowed position. Thus, thestylus is automatically extended from the device for manual use when thefirst input pad is moved into the operational position, therebyimproving the ease of use of the device.

Preferably, the first input device is disposable over the second inputdevice when the first input device is in the operative position. Thus,the input pad is supported by the keypad during use thereby providing arobust configuration.

Preferably, a manually operated actuator coupled to the second bodyportion can be provided, such that operation of the actuator causes thesecond body portion to move to the open position. Thus, the handset canbe moved automatically into an open configuration by use of a switch.

Preferably, the actuator is moveable between a first position and asecond position, and between a first position and a third position, suchthat when the actuator is moved from the first to the second position,the second body portion is arranged to move to the open position withthe first input device in the inoperative position, and when theactuator is moved from the first to third positions, the second bodyportion is arranged to move to the open position with the first inputdevice in the operative position. Thus, the user can determine intowhich configuration the device opens, either with the keypad exposed, orwith the input pad (and possibly the stylus, in addition) exposed foruse.

Preferably, the actuator is a bi-directional switch arranged so that thefirst position corresponds to a relaxed position, and the second andthird positions are disposed either side of the relaxed position. Thisarrangement also provides an easy to use configuration.

Preferably, a sensor can be arranged to determine whether the firstinput device is in the operative position. The sensor can be arranged toprovide a signal when the first input device is in the operativeposition, said signal being usable for the moving of the stylus from thestowed position. Thus, automated release of the stylus is achievable.Furthermore, the signal from the sensor can be used by other componentsof the device that require an indication as to the disposition of theinput pad.

Preferably, a controller is arranged to control the flow of data fromthe first and second input device such that only first input device datais forwarded by the controller when the first input device is in theoperative position.

Preferably, or as an alternative, a controller is arranged to supplyelectrical power to the first and second input device such that power isonly supplied to the first input device when the first input device isin the operative position.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of operating anelectronic device, said device comprising a first input device, a mainbody portion, a second body portion moveable with respect to the mainbody portion between an open and closed position, such that when in theopen position the first input device is moveable relative to the mainbody portion between an operative and an inoperative position, and asecond input device arranged to be exposed for use when the first inputdevice is in an inoperative position and the second body portion is inan open position; the method comprising, determining whether the firstinput device is in the inoperative or operative position, if the firstinput device is in the inoperative position, supplying power to only thesecond input device.

The present invention further provides a method of operating anelectronic device, said device comprising a first input device, a mainbody portion, a second body portion moveable with respect to the mainbody portion between an open and closed position, such that when in theopen position the first input device is moveable relative to the mainbody portion between an operative and an inoperative position, and asecond input device arranged to be exposed for use when the first inputdevice is in an inoperative position and the second body portion is inan open position; the method comprising, determining whether the firstinput device is in the inoperative or operative position, if the firstinput device is in the operative position, disregarding any datareceived from the second input device.

Preferably, if the first input device is in the operative position,power is supplied to only the first input device. Thus, power suppliedto the system is controlled.

Preferably, if the first input device is in the operative position, datafrom the second input device is disregarded. Thus, data flow rates arecontrolled. Furthermore, erroneous data input from a device, which isnot being used by the user, can be deleted.

Further, the present invention provides a computer programme, which,when executed carries out the method described above.

Embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way ofexample, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a handset embodying the presentinvention, being shown in a closed configuration;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the handset shown in FIG. 1 in an openconfiguration;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the handset shown in FIG. 2, with asecond input means partially extending therefrom;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the handset shown in FIG. 2, with asecond input means fully extended into an operational position;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a control unit embodying thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic flow chart illustrating a method embodying thepresent invention for selecting an appropriate input means.

Throughout the drawings, the same or similar elements, features andstructures are represented by the same reference numerals.

Referring to FIG. 1, a mobile phone handset 10 embodying the presentinvention is now described. The handset comprises a body 12 having afirst, main portion 14 and second portion 16, which is moveably disposedon the first portion. The first body portion comprises a keypad 18,processor and power source (all not shown in FIG. 1). The second bodyportion comprises a display screen 20 and a set of pushbuttons 22. Thehandset shown in FIG. 1 is configured to be a slide-phone and is shownin FIG. 1 in the closed configuration; the second body portion is in aclosed position.

Referring to FIG. 2, the handset 10 of FIG. 1 is shown in an openconfiguration; the second body portion 16 is in an open position,extending from the main body 14 of the handset. The mechanism by whichthe second portion is moveable between the closed and open positions isknown and does not form part the present invention. When the second bodyportion is in the open position, a keypad 18 is exposed for use. Thekeypad is disposed on the main body so that the second body portionextends over the keypad in the closed position, but is adjacent to thekeypad in the open position.

The handset embodying the present invention comprises a second keypad,or input pad, which is moveable with respect to either of the first orsecond body portions between a hidden or inactive position and anexposed or operational position.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, the input pad 25 is mounted on the secondbody portion and comprises a tang or protrusion 26 extending from aleading edge of the input pad. When the input pad is in the inactiveposition (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), the tang 26 is disposed next to anedge surface 28 of the second body portion 16 and the input pad is inthe hidden position, between the first and second body portions. Thetang extends from a top surface 29 of the second body portion, therebyallowing the user to manually move the input pad into the operationalposition from underneath the second body portion.

Referring to FIG. 4, the input pad 25 is shown fully extended from thesecond portion 16. The tang 26 is located in a slot 27 formed on themain body portion adjacent to the keypad. Thus, the input pad covers orshields the keypad 18 in this operational position. In this operationalposition the input pad is activated and data or commands can be inputinto the handset by the user. The input pad can be retracted into theinactive position by either moving the second body portion into theclosed position, or by manually moving the input pad into the inactiveposition, thereby exposing the keypad for use whilst the handset remainsin the open configuration.

In this embodiment, the input pad is a touch-sensitive pad, and when inthe operational position, a touch area 25′ is available for use. Astylus pen 30 is used for inputting data or commands into the handsetvia the input pad. The pen is stored in a cavity of the main bodyportion 14. An ejection mechanism is arranged to couple a portion of thepen with the input pad such that movement of the pad into theoperational position causes a portion of the pen to extend from the mainbody portion, thereby allowing access to the pen by the user. When theinput pad is in the hidden position the pen is completely housed in themain body portion.

The input pad can comprise a thin LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) arrangedto display contact traces of the pen as it is moved over the touch are.Furthermore, icons can be displayed on the pad. The pad is arranged toslide between the operational and hidden positions, and the touch areais completely housed in the second body portion when the input pad is inthe hidden position, thereby providing a robust configuration which isergonomic and relatively easy to handle and use. In an alternativeembodiment the touch pad can comprise a so-called “scratch-pad”, similarto those employed on a laptop computer where the user's figure can beused to manipulate a screen cursor.

The handset can be configured so that the input pad is moved into theoperational position automatically either by pressing a button on thehandset, or when the handset is opened manually. In addition, asillustrated in FIG. 5, a bi-directional switch 32 can be disposed on thehandset. The switch can be arranged so that when it is activated in afirst direction M, the second body portion is moved to an open positionand the keypad 18 is exposed for use (configuration 50 in FIG. 5).Activating the switch in a second direction N from a relaxed centralposition, results in the second body portion being moved to the openposition with the input pad 25 being exposed for use, along with thestylus pen (configuration 60 in FIG. 5). In this configuration 60, theinput pad can be arranged to be slid manually back into hidden orinactive position. Thus, the handset does not need to be closed and thenreopened if the user wishes to change the functionality of the handset.

Furthermore, or as an alternative, the handset can be configured so thatfriction forces between the input pad and the second body portion aresuch that when the second body portion is moved to the open position,the input pad remains in the inactive, hidden, position. Alternatively,friction between the input pad and the second body portion can bearranged such that when the second body portion is moved to the openposition, the input pad moves to the operational position. Furthermore,the handset can be arranged so that, with the input pad in theoperational position, the second body portion can be moved into theclosed position thereby moving the input pad into the inactive positionat the same time.

Preferably, the input pad is manually slideable between the operationaland hidden positions. As a result, the input pad requires minimalaccommodation in the handset and the increased functionality of thehandset provided by the input pad is achieved with minimal addition tothe size or weight of the handset. In alternative embodiments, however,the input pad can be arranged so that it is moved into or from theoperation position by use of a bi-stable spring or a manually operableswitch-activated retraction mechanism.

The handset can comprise a control module or controller arranged tocontrol the keypad and input pad and to control which of these inputmeans is active at a given moment. In order to achieve this, the controlmodule determines the position the input pad with respect to the secondbody portion. In other words, when the input pad is in a hiddenposition, the controller determines that the pad is inactive and doesnot supply electrical power to the pad. Furthermore, the keypad can bedeactivated when the input pad is in the operational position. Thisarrangement can have the advantage of saving power supplied to the inputmeans thereby maintaining expected battery life. Furthermore,deactivating the keypad when the input pad is operational results incommands or data being entered into the handset from a single source,thereby reducing the risk of erroneous data entry.

Referring to FIG. 6, a block diagram showing an arrangement 70 forcontrolling an embodiment of the present invention is shown, comprisinga controller 72 having a central processing unit (CPU) 74 and a powersupply switching unit 76. A battery 78, which may also be used to supplyelectrical power to the handset, supplies electrical power to thecontroller. At least one sensor 80 is arranged to detect the position ofthe input pad. In addition, the sensor, or another sensor, can also beused to determine whether the handset is in an open configuration (thatis, ready for use by the user).

The CPU is arranged to control the power supply switching unit so thatelectrical power is supplied to the either the keypad 18 or input pad25, depending on the position of the input pad. That is, if the inputpad is in the inactive position, power can be supplied exclusively tothe keypad, whereas if the input pad is in the operational position,power can be supplied exclusively to the input pad. As a result, batterypower consumption rates are maintained at acceptable levels.

In addition, or as an alternative, the controller can comprise an inputdata switching or data receiving unit 82. Thus, the controller can bearranged to only allow data or commands to be sent to appropriatecomponents in the handset from one of either the keypad or input pad.The input data-switching unit is controlled by the controller accordingto a signal received from the sensor indicating the position of theinput pad. Thus, when the input pad is in an operational position, datais only received by the handset from the input pad; any data receivedfrom the keypad is ignored and/or deleted in this case. Likewise, if theinput pad is in the hidden position, then only data received from thekeypad is sent by the controller for further processing by appropriatecomponents in the handset.

FIG. 7 shows a flow chart of method steps used for controlling powersupplied to the input means. At step S2, the handset is activated orswitched on. A sensor sends a signal to a control unit, which determinesfrom the sensor signal whether the handset is in an open configuration(S4). If the device is closed (that is, not open) then step S4 isrepeated in a loop until it is detected that the handset is in an openconfiguration, or until the sensor sends a signal to the controllerindicating that the device has been opened.

If it is determined that the device is open (or opened), then step S6determines whether the input pad is in an operation position. This canbe achieved by utilising a sensor disposed to detect when the input padis moved from the hidden position, or to detect when the input pad isdisposed in the operational position. The sensor sends a signal to thecontroller to indicate when one of these conditions applies. If nosignal is received from this sensor, or if it is determined that theinput pad is in the hidden position, then the keypad is activated by thecontroller at S8 and electrical power switching unit is operated at S10to only supply power to the keypad and not the input pad. On the otherhand, if the input is determined to be in an operational position ormoved from the hidden position by the sensor, an appropriate signal issent to the controller. Then, the keypad is deactivated at S12 and poweris supplied to only the input pad at S14. The input pad is thenactivated at step S16.

In addition, or as an alternative, the method could be arranged so thatthe controller transfers only data from the input pad to othercomponents in the handset when the input is in the operative position.Likewise, when it is determined by the sensor that the input pad is inthe hidden position, then the controller only transfers data receivedfrom the keypad. Thus, erroneous data entry can be minimised.

In a further embodiment, the controller can be arranged to control astylus release mechanism, such that the stylus is released from itshoused position when the input pad is moved from the hidden position, orwhen the input pad is moved into the operational position. For instance,the stylus can be retained in the housing by an electrically operatedlatch. A resilient member, such as a spring, can be arranged to urge thestylus against the latch. On receipt of a signal from the controller,the latch can be released, thereby causing the resilient member to pushthe stylus into a position from where it partially extends from thehousing and can be removed by the user for use with the input pad. Ofcourse, a mechanical equivalent to the stylus release system describedabove can be utilised as an alternative.

Further embodiments will become apparent to the skilled person withoutleaving the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims.For instance, although the handset is described above with reference toa slide-phone, the invention can equally be configured on a flip-phone.

1. An electronic device comprising: a first input device; a main bodyportion; a second body portion moveable with respect to the main bodyportion between an open and closed position, such that when in the openposition the first input device is moveable relative to the main bodyportion between an operative and an inoperative position, and a secondinput device is arranged to be exposed for use when the first inputdevice is in an inoperative position and the second body portion is inthe open position.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the firstinput device is disposed on the main body portion.
 3. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein the first input device is disposed on the secondbody portion.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the second inputdevice is a keypad disposed on the main body portion.
 5. A deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the first input device is atouch-sensitive input device.
 6. A device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a stylus for inputting data or commands to the device via thefirst input device.
 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the stylusis arranged to be disposed in a at least one of said main body portionand said second body portion, the stylus being moveable with respect tothe device between a stowed position and a release position when thefirst input device is in the operative position, and wherein at least aportion of the stylus extends from the device when the stylus is in therelease position.
 8. A device according to claim 7, further comprising amechanism for moving the stylus, the mechanism being coupled to thestylus and to the first input device, and being arranged so thatmovement of the first input device from the inoperative position causesthe stylus to move from the stowed position.
 9. A device according toclaim 1, wherein the first input device is disposable over the secondinput device when the first input device is in the operative position.10. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a manuallyoperated actuator coupled to the second body portion such that operationof the actuator causes the second body portion to move to the openposition.
 11. A device according to claim 10, wherein the actuator ismoveable between a first position and a second position, and between thefirst position and a third position, such that when the actuator ismoved from the first to the second position, the second body portion isarranged to move to the open position with the first input device in theinoperative position, and when the actuator is moved from the first tothird positions, the second body portion is arranged to move to the openposition with the first input device in the operative position.
 12. Adevice according to claim 11, wherein the actuator is a bi-directionalswitch arranged so that the first position corresponds to a relaxedposition, and the second and third positions are disposed either side ofthe relaxed position.
 13. A device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a sensor arranged to determine whether the first input deviceis in the operative position.
 14. A device according to claim 7, furthercomprising, a sensor arranged to provide a signal when the first inputdevice is in the operative position, said signal being usable for themoving of the stylus from the stowed position.
 15. A device according toclaim 2, further comprising a controller arranged to control the flow ofdata from the first and second input device such that only first inputdevice data is forwarded by the controller when the first input deviceis in the operative position.
 16. A device according to claim 14,further comprising a controller arranged to supply electrical power tothe first input device and the second input device such that power isonly supplied to the first input device when the first input device isin the operative position.
 17. A method of operating an electronicdevice, said device comprising a first input device, a main bodyportion, a second body portion moveable with respect to the main bodyportion between an open and closed position, such that when in the openposition the first input device is moveable relative to the main bodyportion between an operative and an inoperative position, and a secondinput device arranged to be exposed for use when the first input deviceis in an inoperative position and the second body portion is in an openposition, the method comprising, determining whether the first inputdevice is in the inoperative or operative position, and if the firstinput device is in the inoperative position, supplying power to only thesecond input device.
 18. A method of operating an electronic device,said device comprising a first input device, a main body portion, asecond body portion moveable with respect to the main body portionbetween an open and closed position, such that when in the open positionthe first input device is moveable relative to the main body portionbetween an operative and an inoperative position, and a second inputdevice arranged to be exposed for use when the first input device is inan inoperative position and the second body portion is in an openposition, the method comprising, determining whether the first inputdevice is in the inoperative or operative position, if the first inputdevice is in the operative position, disregarding any data received fromthe second input device.
 19. A method according to claim 17, furthercomprising, if the first input device is in the operative positionsupplying power to only the first input device.
 20. A method accordingto claim 17, further comprising, if the first input device is in theoperative position, disregarding data from the second input device.21-22. (canceled)